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There are several main reasons for the heat inside the earth. Keep in mind, though, that scientists really don't agree on how hot the core of the earth might be. 3000C? 4000C? 7000C? One source is radioactive decay. Elements including Uranium and Radium are constantly decaying and releasing energy. A second source is simply the result of Earth's formation -- billions and billions of tons of rocks and metal and gasses compressing downward release a lot of heat. The last reason is tidal stress. As the moon goes around earth, its gravitational field makes shifts in earth's crust and mantle. These shifts produce heat. Some scientists think that these models still don't adequately explain the continued tremendous heat in Earth's core, but these ideas are the best we have for now.

-MathTeacherGuy, Santa Clara, California.

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What are two sources of thermal energy in Earths interior?

Two sources of thermal energy in Earth's interior are residual heat from the planet's formation over 4.5 billion years ago and radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium within the Earth's crust and mantle.


What are the two sources of energy in the earths system?

The two main sources of energy in the Earth's system are sunlight, which drives processes through solar radiation, and heat from the Earth's interior, which is generated through radioactive decay and drives plate tectonics, volcanism, and other geologic processes.


What are the two sources of earths internal heat energy?

The two main sources of Earth's internal heat energy are residual heat from the planet's formation over 4.6 billion years ago and the decay of radioactive isotopes within the Earth's mantle. The heat generated by these processes contributes to the movement of tectonic plates and drives geological activity on the planet.


What are the two sources of energy that heat Earth's surface?

The two sources of energy that heat Earth's surface are solar radiation from the sun and geothermal energy from within the Earth's core. Solar radiation is the primary source of energy that warms the surface, while geothermal energy contributes to heat flow from the Earth's interior.


What two sources of energy for processes in Earth's lithosphere hydrosphere atmosphere biosphere?

The two main sources of energy for processes in Earth's lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are sunlight and heat from Earth's interior. Sunlight drives photosynthesis in plants, atmospheric circulation, and water cycle processes. Heat from Earth's interior powers geothermal activity, plate tectonics, and contributes to the internal energy of the planet.

Related Questions

What is the main source of the earths interior heat?

the mantle plume There are two source of heat in the earth's interior. The main two sources are fire and breathing heat.


What are the two sources of that power earths energy?

The sun and the earth's interior are the two sources of energy that power earth's systems.


What are the two source of heat in the earths interior?

sunlight and meteor impacts


What are two sources of energy that power earths system?

The sun and the earth's interior are the two sources of energy that power earth's systems.


What is the main source of heat in Earth's interior?

the mantle plume There are two source of heat in the earth's interior. The main two sources are fire and breathing heat.


What are two sources of thermal energy in Earths interior?

Two sources of thermal energy in Earth's interior are residual heat from the planet's formation over 4.5 billion years ago and radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium within the Earth's crust and mantle.


What are the sources of energy that power the earths systems?

The sun and the earth's interior are the two sources of energy that power earth's systems.


What are the two source of energy that power the earths system?

The sun and the earth's interior are the two sources of energy that power earth's systems.


The two fundamental sources of energy that drive earths systems are?

The two fundamental sources of energy that drive Earth's systems are the sun, which provides solar energy for processes like photosynthesis and weather patterns, and the Earth's core, which generates geothermal energy that drives processes like plate tectonics and volcanic activity.


How is heat from earths interior transferred to earths surface by convections?

Beneath the surface of the earth temperature remains the same. Within the Earth, irregular convection cells within the mantle transfer heat from the core to the surface of the planet. Volcanoes and earthquakes are two examples of heat transferring from the interior to the surface.


What are the two sources of energy in the earths system?

The two main sources of energy in the Earth's system are sunlight, which drives processes through solar radiation, and heat from the Earth's interior, which is generated through radioactive decay and drives plate tectonics, volcanism, and other geologic processes.


Which two energy sources are not directly tied to solar energy?

Tidal energy, and the heat from the interior of Earth.